The Bavarian Forest — untouched nature in the heart of Europe
Set on a low mountain range along the German-Czech border, the Bavarian Forest is a popular holiday destination with lots of leisure activities to offer. Untouched nature and unique tradition create a marvellous background for skiing, hiking and other family outings.
Things to see and do
National Park
“Let nature be nature” is the motto of the Bavarian Forest National Park, the oldest of its kind in Germany. The forest is left to flourish according to its natural cycles, with fallen tree trunks and undergrowth creating a rich habitat for wildlife otherwise rare in Europe, such as wolves, lynxes and bears.
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Hiking on Dreisesselberg
One of the best hikes in the Bavarian Forest is the Dreisesselberg with its unique granite rock formations. On the way to its 1,333m high summit, you can even climb some of the iconic rocks. Once you reach the top, there’s a mountain inn that serves lunch. Located near the tripoint between Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic, it is also where the Bavarian Forest meets its Czech continuation, the Bohemian Forest National Park.
Skiing on the Great Arber
The Bavarian Forest National Park is a great place to visit year-round.
Home to the Great Arber, the Bavarian Forest’s highest elevation at 1,456m, the National Park is popular with hikers in summer and skiers in winter.
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Treetop Trail
The Treetop Trail is a nature trail situated 25 meters above ground through the woods. It offers breathtaking views over the Bavarian Forest, its beautiful valleys and two of the highest mountains in the area: Rachel and Lusen. The Treetop Trail’s highlight is a 44 meter high tower. Those who make it to the top can admire the Bavarian Alps on clear days. The trail is open for visitors all year round and is located in the small town Neuschönau.
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Summer Toboggan Run
Close to the Treetop Trail you can take a ride on the longest summer toboggan run in the Bavarian Forest. The toboggan can reach speeds of up to 25mph and is the perfect experience for everyone who’s looking for an adrenaline rush.
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Museum Village
The Museum Village in Tittlin is home to original farmhouses, chapels, mills and gardens from the 17th to the 19th century and gives visitors an insight into historic Bavarian architecture and rural life. Each building has been taken from its original location and rebuilt in the Museum Village which also has a village restaurant which serves traditional Bavarian food and beer.
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Glass Street
The Bavarian Forest has been renowned for its glass making since medieval times. On the 250km long ‘Glass Street’, glassmakers still use ancient techniques to create vases, glasses and bowls in every possible shape and colour. Visitors are able to watch glass making in workshops and visit museums and the “Gläserne Gärten” (Glass Gardens) in Frauenau which showcase some the region’s best works.
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Perchten & Twelve Nights of Christmas
The Bavarian Forest keeps very traditions alive to this day. During the Twelve Nights of Christmas, locally known as ‘Rauhnacht’, people wear ‘Perchten’ costumes to resemble demons. Dressed up in scary-looking hand-carved wooden masks and furs, they walk through villages and Christmas Markets to chase away evil.
